Wilberfoss Parish Council Boundary Hedge Policy

To assist residents, Wilberfoss Parish Council has drawn up a policy covering hedges on the boundaries of land that the Parish Council looks after.

Why we have a policy

Boundary hedges can affect neighbours through height, spread and light. A clear policy lets everyone know what to expect and keeps the approach fair and consistent.

Cutting and nesting birds

• Hedge cutting will be carried out outside the bird nesting season, which runs from March to August.
• Wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected by law, so cutting is kept to the months outside that period.

Neighbours and residents

If you live next to council land and have a concern about a hedge, please contact the Parish Clerk. Include the location and, if possible, a short description or photograph. Please do not cut hedges on council land yourself.

More information

The full policy is linked from our home page and is available from the Parish Clerk. You can email [email protected].

Tips for your own hedges

• Check for nests before cutting any hedge, and leave it if you find one in use
• Keep hedges trimmed back from pavements and footpaths so that everyone can pass safely, including people with prams or wheelchairs
• Talk to your neighbours before starting work on a shared boundary